Frome students and teachers gave up a day of half-term to travel to London to demand that The Department of Education prioritise the ecological and climate crisis in schools.
They report, “The road outside the Department of Education was blocked for over two hours on Friday the 22nd of February by an impressive crowd of students, teachers and parents, delivering a letter calling for children to be taught the truth about climate change and ecological collapse. The letter calls for urgent action ‘to revive our dying soil, regenerate biodiversity and rebuild the ecosystems that sustain us. But we must act now. We must teach students more than just how to pass tests … To do otherwise is an act of criminal negligence’.”
Alex Hart, a local teacher who attended the rally said, “It’s time that adults and the education system caught up with its students – young people are already awake and striking in protest at world leaders’ lack of action. Thank you Greta Thunberg!”
A Frome student said, “I am scared about the future of the planet. I am frustrated about not learning enough about climate change in school. Everyone talks about plastic but what about car fumes or deforestation? What about the future of all life? The truth is that none of these things is talked about enough.”
A rapidly growing movement of young people around the world have been inspired by the actions of Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old climate activist. On March 15th an international school strike will send a clear message to policy makers around the world for urgent action against ecological collapse. As Greta says, “If you think we should be in school instead, then we suggest that you take our place in the streets, striking from your work or join us, it will make it quicker … saying everything is all right while doing nothing is just not hopeful.”
To support this International School Strike for Climate’ there will be a drop-in workshop on 15th March, 9.00am-10.45 am at Frome Town Hall. Organisers say, “There will be banner-making, breakfast and discussion, before a meet at the Market Cross for 11am. All ages welcome!
For more information see twitter.com/Fridays4future, or contact: f4ffrome @gmail.com